Bahrain vs. Qatar – Asian Handball Championship Final 2026 Preview

It is warming up to the biggest clash at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex in Kuwait this Thursday, January 29, 2026. The Bahrain vs Qatar final in the 22nd Asian Men’s Handball Championship features the continent’s fiercest rivalry. Qatar, the six-time defending champion, would like to secure a seventh consecutive title that would help it to continue its decade-long reign. They are however, up against a Bahraini team that has appeared invincible, having already beaten Qatar 31-28 in the group stages earlier in the tournament. It is national pride and Asian crown that are in the final prize as both teams have already won their tickets to the 2027 world championship.

Path to the Final in the 22nd Asian Men’s Handball Championship

To this climax the two teams made different approaches. Bahrain goes into the final on a high note following an overwhelming 35-25 win over Japan in the semi-final that they took control of the game in every sense. They have smothered in defense, and in attack have been clinical, under their evergreen Husain Al-Sayyad in the van.

On the contrary, Qatar came out of a giant scare. They overtook the host country, Kuwait, in an overtime sci-fi, 27-26. The Al-Annabi team became champions by defying all odds to extend extra time at 8-13 at half-time and snatch a victory. This weakness alongside losing the group stage to Bahrain means they have never been as loosely possession-wise of the trophy.

Tactical Battle: Speed vs. Experience

The key to this Handball Final lies in the tempo. Bahrain will seek to leverage on the transition game and cash in on the pace that was brought down in Japan. Qatar which is under the control of Valero Rivera, is likely to attempt to slow down the action and turn to physical presence of the veterans such as Rafael Capete and completion of Ahmad Madadi. Should Bahrain manage to replicate the intensity of their group stage they can finally put an end to a five final loss streak and win their maiden title. for more news updates, visit our Gulf Independent News page.

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